A24, the coveted indie distributor known for its carefully curated selection of films, has made headlines this week with its acquisition of the thought-provoking drama, Sorry, Baby. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on February 2, 2023, is directed by Eva Victor, who also stars alongside Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges, among others.
Sorry, Baby centers on the story of Agnes, portrayed by Victor, as she navigates the complex emotions and challenges following her recovery from sexual assault. Billed as both poignant and darkly comedic, the film has already made waves, capturing attention and acclaim from audiences during its screening at Eccles Theatre, where it received a standing ovation.
The acquisition deal, reported to be around $8 million, signals not just A24's continued commitment to distinctive storytelling but also the film's potential to resonate with viewers. The competitive bidding involved several notable independent studios, including Neon and Mubi, demonstrating the strong interest surrounding Victor's work.
Victor's vision conveys the everyday aftermath of trauma—tied together with humor and emotional depth. "Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least," Victor encapsulates this theme succinctly within the film's logline. This delicate balancing act of serious subject matter presented through humor has been highlighted by critics.
Peter Debruge of Variety remarked on the film, saying, "It’s no easy task to make a film about trauma when one’s elders still feel the appropriate response to adversity is to toughen up and soldier on… if Sorry, Baby works, it’s because Victor strikes such a tricky tone: [their] debut is warm and compassionate." This focus on genuine emotion and humor is what differentiates Sorry, Baby from other films tackling similar themes.
Aside from Victor, the production team includes well-known names such as Barry Jenkins—of Moonlight fame—and other capable producers like Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak. This well-established pedigree adds another layer of excitement around the film’s future.
Despite the slow market for indie films at this year's festival, with only two significant deals before Sorry, Baby, anticipation is high. Other titles such as Netflix’s acquisition of Train Dreams and Neon’s securing of Together reflect the cautious optimism circulating the industry. With A24's backing, Sorry, Baby is set to receive the attention it deserves, especially with its growing acclaim.
Jon Frosch from The Hollywood Reporter praised the film, calling it, "a winning, at times, strongly big-screen debut." On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has achieved perfect critics' scores, reinforcing its potential to engage and educate its audience about the serious subject of recovery after trauma.
The poignancy of Victor's narrative holds significant social relevance today, especially as discussions around mental health and the impact of sexual violence continue to evolve. The film threads together moments of Agnes suffering through panic attacks but also depicts her finding solace and support from unexpected places. It highlights the real-life connections we build with each other even amid the pain.
Some critics express concern about the current indie financial ecosystem, reflecting on the sluggish activity at Sundance compared to years past. Nevertheless, the presence of strong offerings like Sorry, Baby offers hope for the indie scene, which continues to act as a cradle for innovative voices and storytelling. A24's acquisition marks yet another step forward for Victor, positioning her as a rising star within the industry.
Conclusively, Sorry, Baby not only showcases Victor's creative prowess but also serves as important cultural commentary. By deftly combining humor with the exploration of serious issues, the film stands poised to make meaningful connections with its audience and contribute to the important dialogues surrounding trauma and recovery.